as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of milieu Huston could recognize the ways of that brood: her own renowned and eccentric family inhabited that domestic world of privilege, power, infidelity, and intrigue that became Christie’s writerly milieu. Erik Morse, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 Chan found his milieu when director Yuen Woo-ping cast him in 1978's kung fu comedy Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and gave Chan creative freedom over the stunt work. ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025 Perhaps suspenders draw to mind Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and the mustachioed folk rocker milieu of the 2010s. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 When Life Gives You Tangerines has been well-received, with critics praising the chemistry among its performers and the scope of the series, which folds the political and cultural milieu of Korea in tandem with its central relationship. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
Noun
  • Housed in a charming building from the 1930s, the store prioritizes creating a safe and loving environment for all, embracing the timeless value of literature.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Taking Share and Increasing Retail Pound Volume Despite a challenging environment with retailer inventory headwinds and a slowdown in snacking, the company is still taking market share and increasing its retail pound volume (total volume of product sold in pounds) in key markets.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • All planets with atmospheres in the Solar System experience auroras, created by the interaction of magnetic fields with high-energy particles from the sun.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Because water heats slower than air or dry soil, water in the landscape or atmosphere serves as a stabilizing influence against sudden temperature spikes.
    Saul Elbein, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Take a look at how the Galaxy S25+ performed against key competition for some context: The Edge supports 5G (sub-6GHz, C-band, and mmWave), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and Wi-Fi 7 for connectivity, which puts it on par with its stablemates and most premium flagship phones.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • To put the cost into context, one bouquet retails for $30 and includes seven different flowers, unbuilt.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Shade-Loving Flowering Shrubs Hydrangeas and azaleas need consistent moisture and protection from afternoon sun when grown in hot climates.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
  • This climate report is funded by MSC Cruises USA and the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Set on pristine white sand, the resort is an angular sandcastle of clean lines, coral surfaces, and glittering private pools that mirror the island’s milky blue surrounds.
    Elspeth Velten, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Otherwise, this is the bargain buy for those after knock-out surround in an all-in-one package.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on milieu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!